DMK chief M Karunanidhi is “extremely critical” and “unstable”, said a medical bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Earlier, party working president M.K. Stalin met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the latter’s residence in Chennai. According to sources in the DMK, Mr. Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.

A large number of DMK cadres and supporters have gathered outside the hospital, many of whom have been staying there since Monday evening.

Mr. Karunanidhi’s health suffered a setback on Monday and doctors treating him at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai had set a 24-hour time frame to determine the prognosis.

Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister’s medical status has gone through ups and downs. After a setback on July 29, he continues to be in hospitali due to age-related ailments, and is under “active medical support”.

The Tamil Nadu DGP has ordered all police personnel to report to duty. The DGP’s office has sent a fax message to all Commissioners of Police, DIGs and District SPs to direct the strength to report immediately in uniform.

2:50 PM

Mr. Stalin meets the Chief Minister at the latter’s residence.. According to sources in the DMK, Mr. Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.

Incidentally, a public interest plea in the Madras High Court that sought a direction to prevent any construction of memorials on the Marina was withdrawn on Tuesday.

2:30 PM

A private channel’s vehicle is attacked by DMK cadres.

A private television channel’s vehicle being attacked by DMK cadres outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.

1:00 PM

Medical bulletins released so far

The Kauvery Hospital has released five medical bulletins on Mr. Karunanidhi’s health so far.

The first one on July 28 said the DMK chief has been admitted to the intensive care unit following a “drop in blood pressure.” The same night, another bulletin was released. It said Mr. Karunanidhi “remains stable with ongoing active medical support.”

The third bulletin was released on July 29. It informed of a “transient setback of the clinical condition” of Mr. Karunanidhi.

The hospital on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary for Mr. Karunanidhi “due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters.”

The fifth bulletin released on August 6 said: “There has been decline in the medical condition of the DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments.

“He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the progress.”

12:50 PM

“We have seen Kalaignar’s bravery all through his life, this time also he will prove. We will continue to pray for his speedy recovery,” tweets actor-turned-politician R. Sarath Kumar. ‘

12:40 PM

“Ezhundhu vaa thalaiva, ezhundhu vaa..” continues to near the hospital. Party workers and Mr. Karunanidhi’s supporters are stationed outside the hospital since Monday night.

11:30 AM

Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy visits the DMK veteran at the hospital. After a brief visit, he leaves. Tamil Manila Congress president G.K. Vasan too pays a short visit.

M. Karunanidhi’s son and DMK working president M.K Stalin arrives at the hospital. Party cadres gather outside, waving flags. DMK leader A. Raja also arrives.

8.50 A.M

Mr. Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi and Mr. A. Raja arrive at the hospital early on Tuesday. Over 1200 armed reserve policemen are on standby. Already, 400 men have been deployed around the hospital.

The scene outside M. Karunanidhi’s house at Gopalapuram in Chennai early on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan

Mylapore Deputy Commissioner NK Mayilvahanan is at the hospital. Crowd management measures are being put in place. Luz Church Road has been blocked from Nageshwara Rao park towards the Kauvery Hospital. Vehicles are being allowed towards St. Isabel’s hospital.